Symbols of Venice, was painted red in memory of the persecuted Christians

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Rialto bridge and other important symbols of Venice was illuminated with red lights to draw attention to the plight of Christians killed for their faith or suffer persecution in various parts of the world.

As reported sedmitsy the event , organized by the Patriarchate of Venice and the Italian branch of the international Fund “aid to the Church in need” with the assistance of the municipal authorities, took place on 20 November. In the event together with the Patriarch of Venice Francesco double standard, as well as the Coptic Catholic Bishop of Minya (Egypt) by Boutros Fahim Awad Hanna of the participated young people who arrived in the diocesan pilgrimage, as well as representatives of the city authorities. The ceremony began with prayers in St. mark’s square, the procession then proceeded to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Here was read the message of Pope Francis.

In a video message to the participants of the action “Venice in red”, recorded this Monday and released by the Foundation “aid to the Church in need”, the daughter of Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi was originally sentenced to the death penalty, expressed on behalf of my mother thanks for your prayers and solidarity. The girl, whose name is Asham, hopes that very soon their family will be reunited and I will visit Venice.

In addition to the Basilica della Salute and the Rialto bridge, this evening also got the red lights of the palaces Farsetti, CA ‘Pesaro, CA’ Rezzonico, the Contarini del Bovolo in Venice, the clock tower, town hall and library in Venice. The initiative observed in social networks with the hashtag #VeneziaInRosso.

The idea of the lighting of iconic buildings red in memory of Christian martyrs had been proposed by the Foundation “aid to the Church in need” a few years ago as a vivid way of protest against religious discrimination. This year similar events will be held in Paris (22 Nov), Barcelona (November 23), London (28 November), Sydney (November 28) and Washington (November 28).

The action will take part the famous Church Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Paris, the sacré-Coeur. In the Philippines, more than 1,300 churches and 30 schools will follow the call to religious freedom and will also be lit red.